You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

This program provides an enriching experience by taking us to the lesser traveled areas of northern Peru, Chiclayo and Trujillo, and leads to a more complete experience when traveling next to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Ranging from desert sands in the north to cloud forest in the highlands of south east Peru, I received a huge bonus when compared to those who only go to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Our group leader was exceptional, well organized and informed, leading to an outstanding experience.

This was my 6th Road Scholar and my favorite so far! We had an excellent leader in Enrique Castillo, as well as all the speakers and guides. I really enjoyed learning about the history of Peru, with Machu Picchu being the highlight, although knees and thighs were a bit sore afterwards. Wonderful program altogether.

This was an excellent program. A first time visitor to Peru could not ask for a better learning experience. The days spent in the north showed us the richness of pre-Inca cultures, and complemented the experience in the Andes very well. As for the physical activity, the description "moderately challenging" is very apt; we were pushed, but everyone in the group could manage it.

I enjoyed this trip!There was so much is see and learn. It is moderately Challenging and it also includes places and high elevations. I never knew that Peruvian culture developed so early. The food is great and the hotels are very comfortable. The people in the group were also interesting and sociable. The guides and instructors were knowledgeable and could handle everything that popped up.

This was our first Road Scholar trip and it far exceeded our expectations. In addition to learning about pre-Inca culture, it was also enlightening to learn about the politics and economy of Peru, its music and its culinary delights. The lectures and demonstrations were excellent. We also were able to visit a school for three-to-five year olds which opened our eyes to some of the challenges the people of Peru face with their educational system.
We were pampered with excellent food in quantities similar to a cruise ship. And we agree what other members of our group said about our tour director, Victor Colunga. He was very professional, extremely efficient and very charming. He attended to every detail with grace and humor. He is a treasure and Road Scholar is fortunate to have him!
The trip was definitely money well spent. If we had gone on our own to all the places we visited, we would have spent four weeks on the same tour instead of two.
We also enjoyed the members of the group, all of whom were interesting and a pleasure to get to know. We give this trip five stars and hope to take many more Road Scholar trips in the feature. Macchu Picchu is a gem; Peru is wonderful...don't miss it!!!

This was my first Road Scholar program and it did not disappoint. I liked that everything was included and you didn't have to pay for extra excursions. The small group (15) helped us get better acquainted. We had a wonderful guide, Victor, who not only took good care of us, but had a splendid sense of humor that added to the enjoyment of our time together.

Not much more I can add to what Keith and Judith said below except that the itinerary for this trip was extremely well planned. It was fascinating to learn about pre-Inca cultures before we went to Cusco. Machu Pichhu was even better than I dreamed and I had high expectations. The hotels were all different, all very comfortable and all centrally located. The food was delicious. Wonderful group of travelers and excellent guides - especially our tour leader Victor Colunga! He has a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humor. Highly recommended.

Peru and all its splendors is not to be missed. The treasures
in the North of Peru include the artifacts of the Lord of Sipan,
and the Moche and Chimu cultures; and Machu Picchu and the Inca
Sacred Valley are truly stunning. So glad I went with Elderhostel; and a great group of participants and an outstanding
group leader, Victor Colunga. Education and travel don't get any better than what we experienced. See it while you can.

The program was a delightful experience and has given me a desire both to return to and experience more of Peruvian culture and to learn about and visit other Andean and South American cultures. Our tour director, Victor Colunga, shepherded his novice charges in a thoroughly competent and enjoyable manner and I thoroughly enjoyed the program as a result. All of the bus drivers, guides and lecturers were outstandingly helpful. All, including Victor, are excellent spokespersons for their beautiful country.

A great program that made me aware that there is a lot more to the history of Peru than the Incas and the Spanish. The earlier times currently being explored by archeologists were very interesting, with beautiful artifacts that tell their stories without a written language. The landscapes were beautiful - I took about 1200 pictures to sort through. We had a lot of good presentations by Peruvian experts who also shared things about their own lives and ethnic origins. None identified themselves as decended from the Incas but from other Peruvian peoples. The only thing about the program that qualified it for its "moderately challenging" rating was the high altitude. There was relatively little walking or hiking except at Machu Picchu where each individual could choose as little or as much physical activity as suited them. As usual in my experience with 7 other Road Scholar programs, I found the other participants interesting, welcoming wonderful people to meet and get to know. While our ages spanned at least 20 years, and we came from different backgrounds and regions of North America, we all shared an enthusiasm and interest in the subject matter and activities, and a determination to enjoy and be involved in as much as possible.

My wife and I were extremely happy with this Peru Road Scholar program and recommend it to other adults. We were glad there no young people on this trip, and the people that joined for this trip were from mid fifties to mid seventies. We all became friends and worked as a team. Very nice friendship of adults. Thank you Road Scholar.

In the past we have avoided group tours, but we thoroughly enjoyed this Road Scholar experience. The tour was well planned, efficiently organized, educational and fun, and we saw and learned much more than we would have on our own. The tour leader was very knowledgeable and responsive to the wishes of all members of the group. Peru is a welcoming country with a fascinating past, and we hope many others will enjoy learning about the many civilizations layered in that past. Take this tour!

The tour leader Victor had an excellent background as to historical,and cultural. Peru HIS KNOWLEDGE THE HOUSING AND FOOD WAS OUTSTANDING! He and his fellow guides were excellent. t
The only complaint was how cattle like the airline flights were.

If you haven't yet, here's your best package to experience Peru. Pack your bags and get to experience a modernizing country with deep cultural roots, an incredible diversity of people, landscapes and activities. You'll wish you had come earlier.

This trip is so much more than Machu Pichu, which would be enough in itself. Wonderful pre-Incan archeology, weaving, Paso Peruan horses, excellent lectures on Peruvian music, cuisine, agriculture, etc. etc. All made easy by Tour Coordinator Victor Colunga and his excellent colleagues. Take this trip!

Amazing trip that combined history and great ruins with a perspective on modern Peru and its strengths and challenges. Wonderful lectures and demonstrations really enhanced our appreciation of what we saw. And of course any trip to Macchu Picchu is fantastic!

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!